The Israeli military issued an evacuation order for Palestinians in northern Gaza on Sunday, directing residents to move south to the Al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis ahead of intensified operations against Hamas. The directive coincided with US President Donald Trump’s call for a ceasefire, as he urged on his Truth Social platform, “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was set to review the progress of the offensive later on Sunday. A senior security official indicated that the military would report nearing its objectives but cautioned that expanding operations into new Gaza areas could jeopardize the safety of remaining Israeli hostages.
The evacuation order, communicated via text messages and a post on X, covered Jabalia and most Gaza City districts. The military warned, “The Israel Defense Forces are operating with significant force in these areas, with plans to escalate and extend operations westward to dismantle terrorist capabilities.” Palestinian and UN officials, however, stressed that no part of Gaza remains safe, despite Israel designating Al-Mawasi as a humanitarian zone.
Heavy bombardment in Jabalia early Sunday destroyed several homes, killing at least six people, according to medics and residents. In Khan Younis, an airstrike on a tent encampment near Al-Mawasi claimed five lives, medics reported.
The escalation follows renewed ceasefire efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to end the 20-month conflict and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. A Hamas official told reporters the group was open to resuming talks but reiterated demands for a complete end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas is willing to release the remaining hostages—believed to include 20 still alive—only as part of a deal meeting these conditions. Israel, however, insists on disarming and dismantling Hamas, a demand the group rejects.
The conflict, reignited in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, has led to devastating consequences. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly Gaza’s entire 2.3 million population, and triggered a humanitarian crisis, leaving much of the enclave in ruins, according to Gaza’s health ministry.